psychiatrists, doctors, and lawyers under fire
 

A while back, in the middle of a sermon, I heard a minister use the verse Psalm 1:1 as his proof that children of faith need not depend upon psychiatrists for medical assistance. I was appalled that such a brazen assault could be launched from the pulpit. I thought it quite unfair to lump psychiatrists into a category of misfits "who have probably been divorced twice and molest their children." Its a good thing I didn't have my doctor friends with me that night!

Interestingly enough, I'm sure this minister would find it difficult to forbid interactions with legal counsel. The situation was later corrected, but I wonder if anybody else has had to deal with anything similar?

Re: psychiatrists, doctors, and lawyers under fire
 

I've heard that a few times. No one that I've known who's said something like that ever hesitated to go to a Dr or psychologist when they needed one though. (but I've heard that there are some who do refuse-gist don't know any myself.) Never remember hearing ps 1:1 attached to it though.

Re: psychiatrists, doctors, and lawyers under fire
 

I forgot to mention that he was discouraging folks from visiting on the basis that skilled professionals couldn't really help if he/she didn't share the same salvation experience.

Re: psychiatrists, doctors, and lawyers under fire
 

That's not at all an uncommon teaching among some Pentecostal circles. Any mental health professionals are usually frowned upon.

Re: psychiatrists, doctors, and lawyers under fire
 

Psa 1:1 Blessed is the man that walketh not in the counsel of the ungodly, nor standeth in the way of sinners, nor sitteth in the seat of the scornful.

It does make a bit of sence though, as a christian our council should be from the word of and not from a worldly source. Of course this does no count if the Doc. is a christian. Bottom line one should be carful of who they council with sometimes a so called christian does not help either.

Just my thoughts on the subject

Re: psychiatrists, doctors, and lawyers under fire
 

I'm not completely trusting of worldly counselors, because counselors help people find direction and solutions, and if they don't have a Christian worldview, people will end up being led in a different direction than they should be.

I think it's best to seek out Christian counselors, but I'm not completely opposed to secular counseling. We should be careful whose counsel we hear.

Re: psychiatrists, doctors, and lawyers under fire
 

I would also encourage entering into secular counseling with some level of caution as well. However, wouldn't you agree that the majority of "Christian" counseling has by and large been derived from the research and work of secular psychology?

Also, why stop at psychiatrists/psychologists? Just curious, do you apply the same level of caution when visiting physicians for healthcare or lawyers for legal advice?

Re: psychiatrists, doctors, and lawyers under fire
 

I heard a preacher once make a statement like this,he said if a preacher has a nervous breakdown he is backslidden,because the bible that if one keeps their mind on the Lord,He will keep them in perfect peace how out in left field is this ?

This mentality also says if one is sick,or born infirm they have a demon.

Re: psychiatrists, doctors, and lawyers under fire
 

I think Mark 5:25-34 are great verses to digest before people make assertions like that. Jesus was also a great example for us all in this instance. Imagine if the verse read: And he said unto her, "Daughter, ye have transgressed against the word of God (Psalms 1:1), and how is it that ye come to me with faith seeking to be healed of thy disease; go in peace, and back to thy worldy physicians!"

Re: psychiatrists, doctors, and lawyers under fire
 

One should. Again the scripture in question tells us we are blessed if we walk not in the council of the ungodly. One should try and find christian health care and lawyers especialy in the area of psycology.
I would add though this scripture is not a commandment.

Psa 1:1 Blessed is the man that walketh not in the counsel of the ungodly, nor standeth in the way of sinners, nor sitteth in the seat of the scornful.

Although it is good advice it is not a commandment, I see too many take things like this and make a doctrine out of it. Hence many doctrines that are not truely scritpure. If one wanted to there are more direcitives concerning the dietary laws and yet you don't hear preachers preaching agianst improper eating. But than they will quote about the temple of our bodies to preach against other things they want to call sin. I just don't understand how so many can be duped into following so called preachers that pick and choose what they want to preach against. Again just my thoughts. I think each child of God should search out their own salvation more and that preachers should quit trying to make perfect saints (by their own definition) and just preach the word.